Bowel cancer surgery in the South East: hospitals compared

Written and reviewed by the UK Hospitals editorial team
Last reviewed: 26 October 2026 · Next review due: 26 April 2027

This guide brings together information from the NHS and other official sources, listed at the end of the page. It is not medical advice.

Surgery is one of the main treatments for bowel cancer. The surgeon removes the cancer and part or all of the bowel around it. Some people need a colostomy or ileostomy, which may be temporary or permanent. You may also be offered chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted medicines, before or after surgery.

The National Bowel Cancer Audit publishes results for every NHS trust in England and Wales, adjusted for differences between patients. Cancer surgery is often concentrated in specialist centres, so the trust that diagnoses you may refer you to another trust for your operation.

Hospitals in the South East

19 trusts in the South East with published figures. Sorted by name. This is not a ranking: read how to read this first.

Bowel cancer surgery: trusts in the South East, Major bowel cancer operations, 2024 (NBOCA)
TrustVolume bandMajor bowel cancer operations, 2024 (NBOCA)Key outcomeDeaths within 90 days (adjusted)Waiting timeWhole trustPatient experienceCQC rating
Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Ashford Hospital, St Peter’s Hospital100 to 149128 major bowel cancer operations in 20243%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 89.7%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 10.3%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 36%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.88 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 36 cases, 21.9 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 2 cases FY2025-26
77.8%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional54.9% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.2 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Ashford Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for Ashford Hospital)
St Peter's Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for St Peter's Hospital)
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Amersham Hospital, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Wycombe Hospital100 to 149140 major bowel cancer operations in 20243.4%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 91.3%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 14.1%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 47%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.90 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 45 cases, 23.4 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 0 cases FY2025-26
51.7%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional5.2% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)Somewhat worse than expectedInpatients rated their overall experience 7.8 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Stoke Mandeville Hospital: Good (CQC report for Stoke Mandeville Hospital)
Wycombe Hospital: Good (CQC report for Wycombe Hospital)
Dartford and Gravesham NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Darent Valley Hospital100 to 149114 major bowel cancer operations in 20242.7%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 85.4%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 5.3%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 58%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.01 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 29 cases, 14.7 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 5 cases FY2025-26
32%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional2.4% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)Worse than expectedInpatients rated their overall experience 7.7 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Good (CQC report for Darent Valley Hospital)
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Buckland Hospital, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, William Harvey Hospital200 or more332 major bowel cancer operations in 20243.9%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 84.2%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 11.8%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 59%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.13 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 75 cases, 20.3 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 2 cases FY2025-26
53.6%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional9.5% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.3 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Buckland Hospital: Good (CQC report for Buckland Hospital)
Kent & Canterbury Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for Kent & Canterbury Hospital)
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital)
Royal Victoria Hospital: Good (CQC report for Royal Victoria Hospital)
William Harvey Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for William Harvey Hospital)
East Sussex Healthcare NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Conquest Hospital, Eastbourne District General Hospital150 to 199166 major bowel cancer operations in 20242%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 75.3%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 12.7%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 59%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.04 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 55 cases, 22.6 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 2 cases FY2025-26
76.1%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional0.3% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.3 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Conquest Hospital: Outstanding (CQC report for Conquest Hospital)
Eastbourne District General Hospital: Good (CQC report for Eastbourne District General Hospital)
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Epsom General Hospital100 to 149127 major bowel cancer operations in 20243.4%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 85.9%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 16.7%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 77%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.18 (Higher than expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 38 cases, 16.7 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 3 cases FY2025-26
90.1%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional36.3% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 7.9 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Good (CQC report for Epsom General Hospital)
Frimley Health NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Farnham Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital, Heatherwood Hospital, Wexham Park Hospital200 or more261 major bowel cancer operations in 20242.2%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 81%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 4.2%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 47%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.06 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 53 cases, 11.5 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 1 case FY2025-26
73.9%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional14.9% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.3 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Frimley Park Hospital: Good (CQC report for Frimley Park Hospital)
Wexham Park Hospital: Outstanding (CQC report for Wexham Park Hospital)
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital200 or more285 major bowel cancer operations in 20241.3%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 86.4%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 12.4%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 62%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.89 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 49 cases, 17.4 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 2 cases FY2025-26
82.4%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional60.2% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.3 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital: Good (CQC report for Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital)
Royal Hampshire County Hospital: Good (CQC report for Royal Hampshire County Hospital)
Isle of Wight NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: St Mary’s HospitalFewer than 10032 major bowel cancer operations in 20240%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 93.3%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 6.9%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 49%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.93 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 42 cases, 42.1 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 1 case FY2025-26
36.4%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional52.4% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 7.9 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Requires improvement (CQC report for St Mary's Hospital)
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Fordcombe Hospital, Maidstone Hospital, The Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury150 to 199176 major bowel cancer operations in 20242.8%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 89.7%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 15.3%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 72%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.96 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 64 cases, 28.0 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 2 cases FY2025-26
84.6%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional14.8% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.1 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Fordcombe Hospital: Good (CQC report for Fordcombe Hospital)
Maidstone Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for Maidstone Hospital)
The Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury: Requires improvement (CQC report for The Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury)
Medway NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Medway Maritime Hospital100 to 149112 major bowel cancer operations in 20240.8%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 86.6%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 11.8%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 44%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.34 (Higher than expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 27 cases, 13.5 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 5 cases FY2025-26
68%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional14.2% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 7.8 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Requires improvement (CQC report for Medway Maritime Hospital)
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Milton Keynes Hospital100 to 149123 major bowel cancer operations in 20242%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 85.2%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 4.2%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 62%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.14 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 19 cases, 10.4 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 6 cases FY2025-26
39.4%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional1.1% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Good (CQC report for Milton Keynes Hospital)
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Churchill Hospital, Horton General Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre200 or more249 major bowel cancer operations in 20241.2%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 91.4%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 10.4%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 42%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.90 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 72 cases, 19.8 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 3 cases FY2025-26
55.4%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional58.7% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.2 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Churchill Hospital: Good (CQC report for Churchill Hospital)
Horton General Hospital: Good (CQC report for Horton General Hospital)
John Radcliffe Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for John Radcliffe Hospital)
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre: Good (CQC report for Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre)
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Petersfield Hospital, Queen Alexandra Hospital200 or more268 major bowel cancer operations in 20241.4%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 86.4%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 9.4%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 59%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.98 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 67 cases, 17.1 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 8 cases FY2025-26
49.3%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional78.3% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Good (CQC report for Queen Alexandra Hospital)
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Royal Berkshire Hospital100 to 149149 major bowel cancer operations in 20241.4%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 91%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 10.5%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 51%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.13 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 31 cases, 13.4 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 5 cases FY2025-26
64.5%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional21.3% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.3 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Good (CQC report for Royal Berkshire Hospital)
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Royal Surrey County Hospital100 to 149149 major bowel cancer operations in 20240.6%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 84.6%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 18.1%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 31%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.84 (Lower than expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 32 cases, 19.1 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 2 cases FY2025-26
85.7%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional0% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.5 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Outstanding (CQC report for Royal Surrey County Hospital)
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Crawley Hospital, East Surrey Hospital150 to 199189 major bowel cancer operations in 20241.8%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 74%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 19.6%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 58%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.98 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 60 cases, 25.6 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 3 cases FY2025-26
66.4%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional20.8% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.2 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Crawley Hospital: Good (CQC report for Crawley Hospital)
East Surrey Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for East Surrey Hospital)
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton General Hospital200 or more230 major bowel cancer operations in 20240.6%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 86.9%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 10.3%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 66%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 0.83 (Lower than expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 72 cases, 17.4 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 7 cases FY2025-26
63.2%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional17.5% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.3 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Princess Anne Hospital: Good (CQC report for Princess Anne Hospital)
Southampton General Hospital: Good (CQC report for Southampton General Hospital)
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustWhole trust. Hospitals: Bexhill Hospital, Lewes Victoria Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Southlands Hospital, St Richard’s Hospital, Worthing Hospital200 or more412 major bowel cancer operations in 20242.1%National: 2.6%No banding published
More measures
  • Alive 2 years after surgery (adjusted): 77.5%National: 85.3%
  • Unplanned readmission within 30 days (adjusted): 9.7%National: 11.3%
  • Hospital stay longer than 5 days (adjusted): 54%National: 59%
  • Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI), whole trust: 1.03 (As expected) 2025-06 to 2026-05
  • C. difficile infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 99 cases, 15.3 per 100,000 bed-days FY2025-26
  • MRSA bloodstream infections that started in hospital (whole trust, not adjusted for case mix): 3 cases FY2025-26
39.8%started cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral or screening (standard 85%; England 61.2%), June to August 2026, provisional42.1% of people waiting for a colonoscopy had waited 6 weeks or more (England 30.9%, August 2026)About the same as other trustsInpatients rated their overall experience 8.4 out of 10 (CQC Adult Inpatient Survey 2025, whole trust)Bexhill Hospital: Good (CQC report for Bexhill Hospital)
Princess Royal Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for Princess Royal Hospital)
Royal Sussex County Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for Royal Sussex County Hospital)
Southlands Hospital: Good (CQC report for Southlands Hospital)
St Richard's Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for St Richard's Hospital)
Worthing Hospital: Requires improvement (CQC report for Worthing Hospital)

How to read this

  • Not a ranking. The table is in alphabetical order. A higher volume does not on its own mean better care, and we do not combine the columns into a score.
  • Volume bands. Cut points are the lower quartile, median and upper quartile of all 130 NHS trusts and health boards in the NBOCA data tables in the published table, rounded. So about a quarter of NHS trusts and health boards in the NBOCA data tables fall in each band. The exact number is shown under the band.
  • Risk adjustment. Where a figure says “adjusted”, the audit has allowed for differences in the patients each hospital treats, such as age and other illnesses. Hospitals that take on more complex cases can still look different for reasons the adjustment does not capture.
  • Bands and limits. We only say a result is higher or lower than expected when the source itself says so (for example NJR outlier status, NELA funnel limits, SSNAP levels, CQC survey bands). Where the source publishes a rate without limits we show the rate and the national figure, and say “No banding published”.
  • Small numbers. A small hospital can have 0% or a high percentage by chance. Figures the source suppresses are shown as “Not published (small numbers)”.
  • Trust or hospital. This audit publishes figures for each NHS trust, which may run several hospitals. The operation may only be done at one of them.
  • Different periods. Each figure has its own period, shown next to it. Audit results describe operations done one to three years ago; waiting times are updated monthly.
  • National figures. National figures are the 'Overall' (England and Wales) row of the NBOCA data tables.
  • Talk to your GP or consultant about what the figures mean for you. If you are referred for planned care in England, you can usually choose your hospital.

Full definitions: methodology and data dictionary.

Data sources and licences

Data last updated 26 October 2026. We do not change the published figures; we only group volumes into bands. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Sources

We checked this guide against these official pages on 26 October 2026.

Spotted something out of date? Tell us.